Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive method of stimulating nerves / tissue in the brain using magnetic fields. The stimulation can target areas of the brain which have been shown to have altered activity, and help restore these areas back to a healthy function. It has been proven to be a safe and effective form of neuromodulation for fibromyalgia.

The London Clinic is the only centre in the UK to use rTMS in the treatment of chronic pain, and is a leading centre for this innovative treatment.

The treatment will take place in a calm and comfortable environment, designed with potential neurodivergent sensory needs in mind. No clothing needs to be removed and the procedure does not require patients to be enclosed within a machine. Patients will lie on the treatment bed in a relaxed position, a small magnet will then be placed close to the right side of the head. rTMS is experienced as a gentle tapping sensation at the pace of a slow heartbeat and is completely painless.

The length of treatment sessions varies, but usually last around 20 – 30 minutes. A treatment plan typically consists of 20 sessions over 2-4 weeks. Our specialists at The London Clinic will be able to design and discuss bespoke treatment plans, which are undertaken in outpatient environment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is considered to be a safe, non-invasive treatment. However, as with any procedure, there are still some risks to consider. These vary depending on the type and frequency of the procedure, but include:

• Mild headaches
• Short-term post-treatment fatigue

Our experts at The London Clinic will perform thorough risk assessments and will discuss these with patients considering transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Own data at the London Clinic, collected by Clinical Lead Dr Stephanie Kaye-Barrett, suggests that 93%of our fibromyalgia patients experienced improvements in the areas of pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and function. RTMS has provided the first effective non-drug treatment for fibromyalgia, and has been proven to significantly improve pain and other associated symptoms.